Monday, May 30, 2016

Memorial Day 2016

Remembrance

Requiescat in pace, dad.

Some Companies Just Get It

America is a capitalist country, so I can't really complain too much about the plethora
of Memorial Day sales that merchants put on each year. But there are some businesses that understand this holiday is about something more important than selling a few extra mattresses or big-screen TVs or cars...

Thrill Ride

According to the percentages, my beloved Kansas City Royals should have gotten swept by the Chicago White Sox in their weekend series at Kauffman Stadium: The Royals trailed by at least two runs in every game entering the 7th inning. Yet it was the Royals who swept the series, regaining 1st place in the Central Division, by staging three consecutive late rallies.

"Not a line drive, but it got the job done!"

The Royals rallied for three runs in the bottom of the 8th inning yesterday, turning a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 victory.

3B Cheslor Cuthbert drove in the game-winning run with an infield single, and All-Star closer Wade Davis recorded his 14th save. RHP Chris Young, just off the Disabled List, got the win after pitching a scoreless 8th inning.

"Go ahead. You know you want to do it..."

Well, if you insist...

Wild Kingdom Bed & Breakfast Update

"Don't mind me, just passing through."

There are a lot of bird species that regularly visit the B&B, but yesterday was only the second time I have ever seen an American robin actually up on my patio.

The first one I saw wasn't eating, he was looking for nesting materials (the patio had some debris thanks to a rainstorm). The one I saw yesterday was actually eating seed, though, which is unusual, as they typically eat insects, fruits, and berries. He must have been really hungry.

Never Forget

Until Next Time...

As I mentioned in this space yesterday, at my parish church St. Peter's we sing patriotic songs for the entrance and recessional music at Mass on or near patriotic holidays. For yesterday's entrance song our music minister chose "God Bless America," the beloved Irving Berlin standard. As with many other patriotic songs, I knew how to sing this one before I had finished 1st grade.

On September 21, 2001 the four major broadcast networks presented a telethon-style program featuring major popular music, TV, and motion picture stars. Aired without interruptions or commercials, the program raised more than $200 million for United Way's September 11 fund.

Canadian pop vocalist Celine Dion did a heartfelt and powerful rendition of "God Bless America" near the end of the program, a performance considered one of the high points of the evening.

Dion's version was included on the album of musical performances from the show, and also on a subsequent compilation album, God Bless America, that was issued in October of that year to raise money for the Twin Towers Fund. That album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart, and Dion's performance also charted as a single.

Today's send-off is her stirring live performance from the telethon, paired with a slideshow of images that evoke the true spirit of this holiday. Enjoy...and remember...

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